The Volvo V70 II, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2004, represents Volvo’s commitment to the premium station wagon segment. Positioned above the S60 sedan, the V70 offered a compelling blend of practicality, safety, and Scandinavian design. This generation, produced from 2000 to 2007 (with the facelift from 2004-2007), was primarily aimed at the European market, where wagons maintain significant popularity. While not widely sold in the United States, the V70 II exemplified Volvo’s reputation for building durable, family-oriented vehicles. The 2.4D variant, powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, provided a balance of fuel efficiency and usable performance.
Volvo V70 II (Facelift 2004) 2.4D: An Overview
The V70 II facelift, launched in 2004, brought subtle but significant updates to the exterior and interior. These included revised front and rear styling, updated interior trim, and improvements to the engine range. The 2.4D model, equipped with a five-cylinder diesel engine, was a popular choice for those seeking lower running costs and strong torque. It catered to drivers who frequently undertook long journeys or required a vehicle capable of carrying substantial loads. The V70 II competed with other premium wagons such as the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the V70 II 2.4D is a 2.4-liter inline five-cylinder diesel engine, designated the D5244T5. This engine produces 163 horsepower at 4000 rpm and a substantial 340 Nm (250.77 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1750 and 2750 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output and efficiency. Fuel is delivered via a common rail direct injection system, contributing to refined combustion and reduced emissions. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. This configuration allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130.49 mph). The engine’s torque characteristics make it well-suited for towing, with a permitted trailer load of up to 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs) with brakes.
Design & Features
The Volvo V70 II is a five-door station wagon (estate) offering seating for five passengers. Its design emphasizes practicality and understated elegance, typical of Volvo’s Scandinavian aesthetic. The facelifted model features a more prominent grille and revised headlight clusters. Inside, the V70 II provides a spacious and comfortable cabin with a focus on ergonomics. The rear seats can be folded down to create a large, flat load area, offering a minimum of 485 liters (17.13 cu. ft.) of cargo space and a maximum of 1641 liters (57.95 cu. ft.) with the seats folded. Safety was a paramount concern for Volvo, and the V70 II is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and a robust body structure designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The vehicle’s suspension consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and stable handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | V70 |
| Generation | V70 II (facelift 2004) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4D (163 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg, 31.4 UK mpg, 11.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg, 14.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 179 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 163 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1750-2750 rpm (250.77 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D5244T5 |
| Engine displacement | 2400 cm3 (146.46 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93.15 mm (3.67 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 12.5 l (13.21 US qt | 11 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1560 kg (3439.21 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2160 kg (4761.98 lbs.) |
| Max load | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 485 l (17.13 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1641 l (57.95 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4710 mm (185.43 in.) |
| Width | 1804 mm (71.02 in.) |
| Height | 1465 mm (57.68 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2755 mm (108.46 in.) |
| Front track | 1551 mm (61.06 in.) |
| Rear track | 1548 mm (60.94 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.9 m (39.04 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
